Why does the air coming in through the air conditioner vents smell bad?
Over time, the car's air conditioning system can start to smell bad. If your air conditioning system smells bad, check the vents for mold or install a new air filter.
When you turn on your car's air conditioner, you should get a cool airflow that cools the interior. It should not have a pronounced odor. If you notice strange smells coming from the vents, there is a problem. The actual nature of this problem will depend on how you feel.
Causes of an unpleasant odor
If you smell musty/moldy smells (think dirty socks), then you feel that mold is growing in the system. This is actually a very common automotive problem and is usually caused by your air conditioning system only running in recirculation mode and the fan not running for a minute or two after the A/C is turned off and the engine is turned off.
Mold can thrive in many parts of your car's air conditioning system, but you'll find it's especially fond of the evaporator core and condenser. These areas are moist and closed - ideal habitat for bacteria. While it doesn't actually pose much of a health hazard, it certainly smells bad.
How to prevent bad odors
There are several ways to deal with this, but the best solution is not to experience it yourself. Always switch between fresh air and recirculated air to help dry out the inside of your vehicle's HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. Also, always try to run the fan without the A/C for at least two minutes before turning off the engine (again, this will help dry out the system and avoid creating an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth). The problem can also be solved by spraying disinfectant through the air intakes under the hood, as well as using a foam system cleaner (both should be done by a professional).
Another possible reason is that the cabin air filter needs to be replaced. The cabin filter does the same job as the air filter under the hood, but it is responsible for filtering the air that enters the cabin. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and pollen. Mold and fungus can also develop here. Some cabin filters can be found behind the glove box, but require significant disassembly to remove and replace.
If you need help checking or repairing your air conditioning system, contact an AvtoTachki Certified Field Technician.
